With Independence Day rolling right around the corner, the government wants to instill patriotism in college students – with rock concerts and quiz competitions.
Rock bands are expected to perform patriotic numbers between August 9 to August 13 at elite institutes like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and central universities like Delhi University. “A number of rock bands have been identified by the information and broadcasting ministry, and 100 institutions that have adequate space to accommodate at least a thousand persons will be selected. All institutions have been asked to participate in the event,” a senior HRD Ministry official told the Hindustan Times.
Quiz competitions are being planned for students across the country, based on the Quit India Movement and the freedom struggle and 1 crore students are expected to participate. The top 10 winners will be invited to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Institutions will be sent questions related to the quiz and they will organize it within the campus. Out of these, a final selection will be done and 10 students will get a chance to meet the Prime Minister,” the official added.
As per a UGC circular, faculty are required to conduct guided tours for students to memorials of freedom fighters and places of residence of any martyr from the military, paramilitary and police, who helped to preserve the integrity of the country, in the vicinity of the institution. Pledge taking will also be carried out. “The Prime Minister’s endeavour to have a terrorism-free, caste-free, corruption-free, uncleanness-free and poverty-free society would only actualize with the help of society and make his vision a reality. Organise pledge taking ceremony on August 9, at 9.30 am by all students, faculty and non-teaching staff of the institution,” reads the circular.
